Gays, Guns, & God

Colossians 3: 14, "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony."

I do not normally write on topics that are in the news. Especially not something that is causing so much trouble like this shooting in Orlando over the weekend. But God. Yeah, I felt led to write on it today, so I am.

I have family members who are gay. I love them. Period. I have friends who are too, and I love them as well. Their sexual preference does not dictate how I feel about them. 

To the "Christians" who are saying this shooting is justified because it was a gay club, to you.. I say this... STOP IT!

First of all, God commanded us to not kill. You know, in the 10 Commandments? So, why would it be ok for someone to kill innocent people based on their sexual preference? 

Second of all, if the shooter really is Muslim, he did not love, serve, or worship the God in the Bible. That God, my God, says to love your neighbor as yourself. Not to go kill people who don't believe like you. Therefore, the God of the Bible would NEVER tell someone to go kill.

God is love. He is slow to anger. He is merciful. He is just. 

John 3:16 NLT says, "For this is how God LOVED the WORLD: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."

God loves everyone and does not want people to die and go to hell. He wants them to turn to Him, to live with Him and come to heaven with Him when they die. To say that He would kill people is absurd!

I know, I know, you are going to point out Old Testament Scripture to me. Yes, God did things like that in the Old Testament. But the New Testament has a new covenant with Jesus as the full sacrifice for all. The 10 Commandments are still vital and Jesus even upp'd them. Not only should you not kill someone, but if you've ever been angry with someone, it's as if you killed them. When you are angry with someone you can't tell them about God's love. Or rather, you won't tell them.

So being angry at people because of their sexual preferences actually is hurting you more than anyone else. It hurts God too, because you are not representing His true feelings for them. 

We are called to love everyone. It does not mean we agree with or condone what they are doing. I mean, have you ever loved a drug addict or alcoholic? I bet you have. Then why is it so hard to love a homosexual? Or a Muslim?

We are not called to judge, because we have our own sin we deal with. It might not be sex, drugs, and rock and roll. (Sorry, I had to.) It might simply be every time you look in the mirror and put yourself down. That's wrong because you are putting down what God created. 

Now, on the gun issue. If we take guns away from everyone, I can guarantee you the criminals will still have their's. AND if the killer in Orlando had not had an assault rifle, he still could have done this with any other type of gun. He could have easily walked in with a bomb strapped to him and blown the place up. If he had of, would we be all upset and wanting to remove all bomb making materials from the shelves?

I believe in the right to own a gun. I feel more safe with one knowing that I can protect my family if we have an intruder. Guns do not kill people. People have to pull the trigger. Let's place blame where it's really due. 

We have allowed this to distract us. Because the real issue here is that people died. PEOPLE DIED!! Innocent people who had not done anything wrong died.

They have families, friends, and loved ones who are now missing them terribly. Those people are now traumatized for life because this. Not to mention how the entire world knows about it... and has opinions on it.

As Christians, we need to follow what the Bible says in Colossians 3: 12-13, "Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."

One more thing... I know this is long already...but God does not need us to defend Him. I can hear you, "But Jill, the Bible speaks on how homosexuality is wrong. And we need to tell them that." UH, no we don't. It's not our place to defend God or tell someone else what they are doing is wrong. Most people know that they are doing something wrong. We don't have to tell them. If we love people, right where they are, we are more likely to win their hearts to God.

We can not be the Holy Spirit for anyone." We do not need to be God to anyone either. The Holy Spirit needs to move in their lives. GOD needs to speak to their hearts and woo them to Him, and let Him handle that. It's not our place. When we love people, it moves their hearts towards God, because that love is coming from Him, and they can feel it.

We need to be in prayer for:

1. Christians who are speaking junk when they need to be quiet. 
2. For these victim's loved ones that God will comfort them while they mourn.
3. For the shooters family who lost him as well. 
4. Our nation to turn to God.

I do not for a minute think that God is in heaven rejoicing over any of this. His children are hurting. We are torn apart and being mean to each other. As a parent, that's what breaks my heart the most. I hate to see my children being mean to each other.

Will you join me today in prayer? Will you stop saying things that aren't Biblical just to make a point? Because I bet if someone you loved was shot and killed, you'd be saying something different.

Father God, we need you. This nation is hurting and struggling with an issue that we shouldn't be. Innocent people have died and we want to point fingers and blame their sexual preference and give glory to a shooter who most certainly did not do this with your blessing. I ask that Christians will seek you Lord and find the truth in your Word. Guide them. Help them see the truth. Comfort everyone who is mourning this terrible event. Those people did not deserve to die. Unite us in love, Father. Because that's what you've called us to do. In Jesus name, amen.

God bless you today and always.